Buying Beer And Wine In South Carolina On Sundays

South Carolina's Sunday alcohol laws vary depending on the location. While some counties and cities have been granted Sunday sales permission through referendums, others continue to observe blue laws that restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays. These laws, which are based on religious designations of Sunday as a day of rest, have been relaxed over time due to tourism and changing societal norms. However, liquor stores in South Carolina have remained closed on Sundays, with some exceptions in certain counties.

Beer and wine can be bought in some South Carolina counties on Sundays

Beer and wine can be purchased in some South Carolina counties on Sundays. The state's Sunday liquor laws vary depending on the location. While liquor stores in South Carolina are typically closed on Sundays, certain counties have passed referendums permitting on-premise and/or off-premise alcohol sales on this day.

In counties with these referendums in place, businesses can apply for a 7-day license to sell beer and wine. On-premise sales of beer and wine are allowed during specific time frames, depending on local laws. For instance, in some counties, on-premise sales are permitted from 12:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays.

Additionally, grocery and convenience stores with the necessary permits can sell beer and wine seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This includes counties such as Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Marion, Newberry, Oconee, Richland (unincorporated areas only), Saluda, and York.

It's important to note that the sale of liquor on Sundays is a separate matter, and each state has its own regulations. In South Carolina, liquor stores are generally closed on Sundays, but there have been discussions and proposals to allow them to operate for a few hours on Sundays with local government approval.

Liquor stores are closed on Sundays

The laws regarding alcohol sales on Sundays in South Carolina vary by county and municipality. Some areas have passed referendums that permit on-premise and/or off-premise sales of alcohol on Sundays. For example, in Columbia, Richland County, businesses can obtain a 7-day beer and wine permit, allowing them to sell beer and wine seven days a week, 24 hours a day. However, liquor stores are still required to be closed on Sundays statewide.

There have been recent efforts to change the law and allow liquor stores to open on Sundays for a few hours if their local governments permit it. In February 2024, the South Carolina House approved a bill that would allow liquor stores to open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays if a county or city council agrees to put the idea up for a public vote and it gets majority approval. This change has been supported by those who want to update antiquated rules and boost business, especially in tourist areas. However, it has faced opposition from conservative Republicans and small liquor store owners who value having Sundays off.

Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday

Grocery and convenience stores in South Carolina can sell beer and wine 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday. This is a result of the state's blue laws, which previously prevented the sale of alcohol on Sundays. While liquor stores are not permitted to open on Sundays, grocery and convenience stores with the relevant permits can sell beer and wine seven days a week.

The ability to sell beer and wine on Sundays is dependent on the county and municipality. For example, grocery and convenience stores in Columbia, Richland County, can sell beer and wine on Sundays. However, in Wellford, this is prohibited.

South Carolina's Sunday liquor laws vary depending on the location. Some counties have passed their own referendums that allow on-premise and/or off-premise sales on Sundays. Businesses in these counties can apply for a 7-day license. On-premise sales of beer and wine are permitted from either 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., depending on local laws.

In February 2024, the South Carolina House approved a bill to allow liquor stores to open on Sundays for a few hours if their local governments permit it. The bill, which has yet to be approved by the Senate, would allow liquor stores to operate from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays if a county or city council agrees to put the idea to a public vote and it receives majority approval.

On-premise sales of beer and wine are allowed in qualifying counties on Sundays

South Carolina's Sunday liquor laws vary depending on location. While liquor stores are generally closed on Sundays, there are exceptions that allow for alcohol to be sold on Sundays in certain counties.

• Beaufort
• Berkeley
• Charleston
• Colleton
• Dorchester
• Georgetown
• Greenwood
• Horry
• Jasper
• Kershaw
• Lancaster
• Lexington
• Marion
• Newberry
• Oconee
• Richland (unincorporated areas only)
• Saluda
• Spartanburg (excluding Wellford)
• York

In these counties, you can purchase beer and wine at grocery and convenience stores seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

It's important to note that South Carolina's alcohol laws can be complex and may change over time. The information provided here is a general overview, and specific regulations may vary by county or municipality. Always check the local laws in your area to stay compliant.

Alcohol sales are prohibited in most of the state on Sundays

Alcohol sales are prohibited in most of South Carolina on Sundays. While the state's Sunday liquor laws vary depending on location, the sale of alcohol is largely restricted on Sundays.

In South Carolina, different types of establishments have different regulations regarding when they can sell alcohol. Hotels and restaurants with a license can sell alcohol Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. However, alcohol sales are prohibited for the most part on Sundays. Liquor stores are permitted to operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, but they must remain closed on Sundays.

There are some exceptions to the Sunday prohibition. Certain counties have passed their own referendums permitting on-premise and/or off-premise alcohol sales on Sundays. Businesses in these counties can obtain a 7-day license to sell alcohol. On-premise sales of beer and wine in qualifying counties are allowed either from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., depending on local laws. Restaurants and hotels that serve liquor by the drink follow the same timing regulations.

While liquor stores must remain closed on Sundays, individuals can still purchase beer or wine at gas stations, grocery, or convenience stores. These stores are permitted to sell beer and wine 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, liquor purchases can only be made at licensed liquor stores, which are closed on Sundays.

The Sunday restrictions on alcohol sales in South Carolina are a result of Blue Laws, which are centuries-old rules based on religion that designated Sunday as a day of rest. While South Carolina has updated some of its Blue Laws to accommodate the demands of modern society, liquor stores have remained closed on Sundays until recently. In February 2024, the South Carolina House approved a bill to allow liquor stores to stay open for a few hours on Sundays if their local governments permit it. This change aims to support businesses, especially those in tourist areas, and bring South Carolina in line with most other states that allow Sunday liquor sales.

Frequently asked questions